Hello dear readers, a while since we have been with you, the “Crew” have had a very busy summer up to now. Sophie celebrated her third birthday with a very busy day, cards, presents, even text messages and phone calls. The weather was fine and sunny and a party followed in the garden. Balloons adorned various posts and shrubs well out of paws reach. There were games and a Special Birthday Tea and treats. The rest of the “Crew” joined in enthusiastically. Miss Tizzy is an old hand at birthdays. She celebrated hers on the longest day, she is seven now and preferred a quiet dignified affair. Sybil and Rory reckon this birthday lark is ok too.

 

July came and of course the Burgh Carnival. We all walked down. Rory hitched a ride with me on the wheelchair. He wasn't quite clear of his vaccinations. Miss Tizzy opted to stay at home and enjoy peace and quiet, have a gossip with her Mum, Tilly. It was a very warm sunny day, just right. Sophie, Sybil and Rory entered the Dog Show. Saucy Sybil, to give her her full name, won her class with a five pound voucher for the pet shop and a rosette. Rory had the indignity of being carried in but came out with a third and a posh rosette. He looked immensely pleased with himself, not bad for a first time out. Sophie, “Duchess of Haven Lea” was very much admired but alas, no rosette. She took it all in good part and graciously accepted all the attention afterwards as was her due. It was a happy afternoon, enjoyed by all and we trooped home tired and happy.

 

Sybil has completed Puppy Classes, passed with flying colours, and was awarded a certificate, a rosette and posh treats. Both she and Barry worked very hard, she kept looking proudly at her rosette and I clapped her all the way, well Barry too of course. Sybil is now in the next class and hopefully will go on to do her Kennel Club Good Citizen Award Bronze. She is practising very hard. I do the homework sessions during the week. Rory has now begun puppy training and loves every minute, problem is he wants to join in with EVERYTHING. Both he and Sybil can't wait to get into their classes.

 

Sophie and Sybil went for a Sunday afternoon drive up into the Wolds the other week; a lovely sunny afternoon. They both wear their safety harnesses and Sophie sits nose in the air, paw resting on the side of the car as if to say “Drive on Parker”, she and Sybil remind me of two ladies, I can imagine them in their Sunday best, passing comment as they go along. We visited friends too once again they were the centre of attention. The younger members stayed at home and enjoyed an afternoon nap, problem was they were fully charged when we returned and their batteries took a while to run down.

 

I have just celebrated my birthday last week, once more the Crew were with me, it was a lovely day. Barry did a sterling job manning the fort while the crew were “stars” were polite, remembered their manners and entertained the visitors. I was so proud of them all, there have been numerous photo sessions as you will see. Also no doubt you will be wondering who the new face is that as appeared. Those of you who knew our dear old Jack Russell, Buster, will look twice. Yes, another Russell, appeared quite by accident as usual. This is the first many of you will know about dear little Amber, six days younger than Rory who incidentally we fostered to begin with and then we and the Crew loved him so much he stayed. All are one big Happy Crew, only one or two minor mishaps from the younger members. Amber brought me a lovely flower from the garden, at least she left the stalk on and it lasted many days. The recent hot weather saw fans going full blast, Sybil isn't designed for the heat and has her own personal fan, all coped very well. Ice cubes caused much hilarity but cooled everyone. An improvised paddling pool, Sybil spoted a damp towel draped around her on one occasion and looked like a galleon in full sail., comments were not appreciated.

 

Well time to sign off now, will be back with you sooner next time with hopefully news of Sybil's Sponsored “ Down, Stay” in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Other dogs are to take part, and we will both be with her of course. Hopefully curiosity will not get the better of her for a few minutes, like the “Duchess” Sybil is quite nosey. They sit in Sophie's chair in the sitting room surveying the world, if anything is going on they shout me to have a look. Yes, I will soon be as nosey as they are.

Bye for now from all at “Haven :Lea”.